Use Of Toothbrush Research Articles

Prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity, erosive tooth wear, gingival recession and periodontal health in seven European countries

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence and associated risk indicators for dentine hypersensitivity (DH), erosive tooth wear (ETW), gingival recession (GR), and gingival inflammation (bleeding on probing, BOP), with clinical and questionnaire data from seven European countries. MethodsA cross-sectional, observational, seven-European country, epidemiological study in systemically healthy adults. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding oral hygiene, diet and lifestyle factors. A clinical examination, by calibrated examiners, measured DH (Schiff; participant yes/no), ETW (basic erosive tooth wear examination, BEWE), GR (mm), and BOP (yes/no). Results3551 participants completed the study, mean age 44 ± 17.4, 43.6 % male, 26.1 % rural dwellers. DH (Schiff ≥ 1) was seen in 75.9 % of participants, ETW (BEWE ≥ 1) in 97.6 %, GR (≥1 mm) in 87.9 %. 65.7 % participants had BOP ≥ 10 % sites, 34.3 % BOP<10 % with probing depths ≤3 mm. DH, ETW, GR and BOP increased markedly during young adult life. Thereafter, GR and ETW continued to increase, DH declined after around age 38–47, and BOP plateaued after age 48. DH was significantly associated with ETW (p < 0.001) and GR (p < 0.01); GR was significantly associated with BOP on lingual surfaces (p = 0.017). There were significant associations between increased full mouth BOP ≥ 10 % and reduced brushing duration and exercise frequency (p < 0.001); increased DH and heartburn (p < 0.001); decreased DH (p < 0.001), ETW (p < 0.001) and BOP ≥ 10 % (p = 0.002) with powered toothbrush use. ConclusionsPrevalence of oral conditions assessed was high, greater than in the majority of the GR, DH and ETW literature. Periodontal health was seen in a third of sampled individuals. All these conditions varied markedly by country and age. Clinical significanceOral diseases and conditions were highly prevalent throughout the seven European countries investigated. For the majority, these conditions are eminently preventable and treatable by changing behaviours. Upstream policy changes are needed to address these health challenges, to raise awareness and to empower individuals with oral health education and support.

Intensive Oral Hygiene Interventions during Therapy of Acute Leukemia May Result in Detrimental Outcomes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Objectives There are no standard guidelines on oro-dental care during induction therapy of acute leukemia (AL). This study aimed to assess the effect of intensive oral hygiene practice on oral mucositis, infection, and disease outcomes compared to standard clinical practice. Materials and Methods Newly diagnosed patients with AL were randomized to receive either standard oral hygiene protocol (group A, n = 92) or comprehensive oral hygiene protocol (group B, n = 91). In group A, the oral hygiene indexes were measured by the dentist at baseline and at the end of treatment. In group B, weekly monitoring of oral hygiene indexes by the dentist and interventions in the form of oral cavity inspection, probing for gum health, and use of a soft toothbrush and education on oral hygiene practices were carried out. Results The frequency of mucositis was higher in group B (60%) than in group A (40%; p = 0.09). There was no difference in the median Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S; 0.5 vs. 0.6) and Silness and Loe plaque index (0.4 vs. 0.25) between the groups. The local (11 vs. 1%; p = 0.005) and systemic infection rate (82.2 vs. 65.2%; p = 0.009) were higher in group B than in group A. Conclusion This study failed to show the superiority of a comprehensive oral hygiene protocol compared to standard protocol in reducing oral mucositis in patients receiving induction therapy for AL. We hypothesize that frequent intervention in the oral cavity may lead to the dissemination of infection.

A study on the association between electric toothbrush use on calculus formation and periodontal tissue condition in Korean adults: 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the relationship between electric toothbrush use and the presence of community periodontal index (CPI) code calculus among Korean adults. Methods: Data from the 7th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression analysis with a complex sampling design was conducted, adjusting for general characteristic factors. Analyses were performed using SPSS Statistics 29.0. Results: Among the participants, the prevalence of electric toothbrush users was 5.3%. Within this group, 4.7% had periodontal disease, whereas 5.9% did not (p=0.025). Even after adjusting for general characteristics factors in model Ⅱ of electric toothbrush use, the odds ratio remained statistically significant at 0.791 (95% CI: 0.631-0.992) in all cases. Conclusions: Electric toothbrush use appears to be associated with potential benefits in managing the CPI code calculus distribution; however, evidence supporting this notion remains insufficient. The study findings suggest that these results could be a basis for future studies related to oral hygiene products and the design of oral health promotion programs.

Evaluation of the preference and recommendation of dentists regarding the use of bamboo toothbrushes

The present study evaluated the knowledge, use, and perception of bamboo brushes among 35 health professionals. Although 97.1% are aware of these brushes, only 22.9% use them, indicating a significant gap between knowledge and adoption. Some 67.7% of the respondents showed interest in trying them, but only 35.3% recommend them, influenced by the perception of their effectiveness. In addition, 80% know that plastic toothbrushes take more than 70 years to disintegrate, but 91.2% have never received information on how to properly recycle a toothbrush, highlighting the need for sustainability education. Despite the willingness of 60% to switch to bamboo brushes, the lack of information and education on recycling remains an obstacle. The study concludes that the adoption of sustainable practices requires increased awareness and education on recycling and plastic waste management

Oral health behavior of pregnant women in Nigeria: a scoping review

BackgroundOral health care behaviors during pregnancy affects maternal and child health outcomes. This scoping review sought to map the existing literature on the oral healthcare behaviors of pregnant women in Nigeria.MethodsPubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, EBSCOHOST, Sabinet, African Index Medicus, and Scopus data based were searched in August 2023. Articles with reports on the oral health behavior of pregnant women in Nigeria, published in English in peer review were included in the review. Articles whose full lengths could not be accessed, and commentaries on studies, and letters to the editor were also excluded. Data on authors and year of publication of the study, study location, study objective, study design, methodological approach for data collection, and study outcomes were extracted and descriptively synthesized.ResultsThe search yielded a total of 595 articles of which 573 were unique. Only 21 articles were left after titles and abstracts screening and only 18 articles met the eligibility criteria. The proportion of pregnant women had utilized dental services ranged from 4 to 62.9%, the use of toothbrush and toothpaste ranged from 59.6 to 99.3%, twice daily tooth brushing ranged from 5.2 to 66.9%, and the use of toothbrush among pregnant women in the studies varies from 70.9 to 100%. Chewing stick was used by 0.1–27.7% of study participants. Dental problems such as caries, pain, swollen gums, and excessive salivation were reasons for seeking dental care. We identified individual, structural, and behavioral factors, including myths as barriers for dental service utilization.ConclusionThis scoping review shows that dental service utilization by pregnant women in Nigeria is poor and mainly due to curative than preventive needs. Oral health behaviours also need to be improved through tailored oral health education accessible to pregnant women in Nigeria.

Clinical, epidemiological and dental characterization of children with congenital heart diseases

Objective: to characterize the clinical, dental and epidemiological profile of children with congenital heart disease followed at the dental outpatient clinic of a Maternal and Child University Hospital in the city of São Luís/MA, Brazil. Methods: The present study had a descriptive, retrospective and quantitative nature. Data collection was carried out by analyzing the medical records of patients seen from January 2017 to December 2019, aged 0 to 12 years and of both sexes. Results: The majority of patients were male (51.4%), from the city of São Luís and metropolitan region (52.9%), self-declared mixed race (62.9%). Acyanotic congenital heart diseases were the most prevalent (81.4%) and half of the patients (50%) had already had an episode of toothache. The use of fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush was observed in almost all patients (90%), with the highest frequency of tooth brushing being twice a day (44.3%). Caries disease was the most prevalent oral clinical manifestation (61.4%). Conclusion: The importance of maintaining an adequate standard of oral health and its influence on the general systemic condition of these patients is reaffirmed. It is suggested that more studies be carried out in order to deepen knowledge about this population.

Forecasting changes in oral hygiene levels using the API index with different orthodontic appliances

Relevance. The prevalence of various types of orthodontic pathology among the Russian population is quite high. Depending on the region, malocclusion are registered in 30.9% to 76.5% of cases. The high prevalence of orthodontic pathology and the unresolved issues related to both the pathology itself and the presence of concomitant diseases indicate the necessity for personalized methods of prevention and treatment of malocclusion during both the primary and mixed dentitions, which in 70-84% of cases are treated using both removable and fixed orthodontic appliances.Materials and methods. An observational study was conducted to identify factors contributing to the increased intensity of caries among children aged 6 to 11 with orthodontic pathology. The study evaluated the characteristics of hygiene knowledge and skills, as well as the Approximal Plaque Index (API), in children using various orthodontic appliances. To assess hygiene knowledge levels, a survey was administered to two groups of children aged 6-11: those undergoing orthodontic treatment and those who visited the dental clinic for a routine check-up and were diagnosed with orthodontic pathology. The questionnaire included questions about the primary and supplementary tools and practices for daily oral hygiene, the frequency of hygiene activities, and the patients' awareness of the importance of professional oral hygiene.Results. Factors that statistically significantly influence the level of hygiene and the Approximal Plaque Index (API) were identified. A computer program was developed to forecast the dynamics of oral hygiene levels (based on the API index) when using different orthodontic appliances. An algorithm for predicting changes in the API hygiene index was created, considering the use of orthodontic appliances, oral status, adherence to hygiene procedures, presence of harmful habits, and dietary behaviors. Negative factors significantly impacting hygiene levels include bruxism and daily consumption of sweets, while positive factors include adherence to the recommended frequency and duration of tooth brushing (at least twice a day) and the use of a medium-hard toothbrush when permanent teeth are erupting. During orthodontic treatment, additional negative factors impacting hygiene status include gingival bleeding (gingivitis), lack of lip closure, and harmful habits. The study of changes in hygiene levels over one year of treatment with various orthodontic appliances (braces, Haas appliance, SPA) showed that the fixed Haas appliance for treating dental and maxillofacial anomalies is the most favorable orthodontic design for mixed dentition.Conclusion. Factors significantly affecting the level of oral hygiene have been identified. The dynamics of the API hygiene index with various orthodontic appliances have been established. The most favorable appliance for mixed dentition is the HAAS appliance for rapid palatal expansion.

Evidence-Based Practice for the Use of pH Indicator Paper Strip in Oral Medicine: A Literature Review.

The objective of our article is to review the literature and collect the advice of specialists for the evaluation of the reliabilityand appropriate indications of the use of pH paper in oral medicine practice. The literature pertaining to the use of pH paper in oral medicine practice was reviewed, and appropriate indications were suggested by a French multidisciplinary working group of specialists and validated by a lecture committee. By screening PubMed/MEDLINE from 1911 to March 2024, we found 621 articles. All abstracts were read, 22 articles were selected for full-text reading, and 12 were ultimately included in the review. Three more articles from other sources were included. Thus, 15 articles constituted the literature review; seven papers from PubMed/MEDLINE focusing on how to restore the salivary pH balance in cases of periodontitis and early childhood caries (ECC) completed the review. It is concluded that the lack of sensitivity of pH paper must be underlined. A low pH is a cofactor leading to oral pathologies, and the use of pH paper constitutes an easy diagnostic instrument in patients with pH variations correlated to leukemia, diabetic mellitus, or orofacial radiotherapy. The evaluation of salivary pH using pH paper may be used as a quick chairside test, specifically in cases of ECC and uncontrolled severe periodontitis. Early diagnosis of salivary low pH range in children as well as periodontitis with deep pocket associated with a low pH range in adults should lead to the supply of fluoride and prescript sodium bicarbonate-containing dentifrices, respectively. In children, the use of a chewable toothbrush may help reduce plaque and elevate salivary pH.

Oral health status among the transgender population of India: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The invisibility of the transgender population within official records, combined with other socio-economic factors, impacts oral health status among transgender people. Hence, our systematic review and meta-analysis aim to generate a pooled estimate of the oral health status of the transgender community in India. A systematic search was performed across four databases. The studies included a quantitative research design conducted in India and involved self-identified transgender individuals. The pooled prevalence was determined at a 95% confidence interval (CI). Q-statistics and the I2 test were utilized to evaluate the source of heterogeneity. Leave-one-out analysis and Baujat plots were used to detect outliers within the studies. A Doi plot and LFK index were employed to assess the publication bias. A total of 12 studies comprising 1566 transgender participants were included. The pooled prevalence of toothbrush use among transgenders in India was found at 83% (95% CI: 0.73-0.91), smoking=12% (CI: 0.03-0.26), smokeless tobacco=53% (CI=0.38-0.68), dental caries=78% (CI: 67%-88%), calculus=65% (CI: 0.4-0.86), and bleeding 18% (CI:0.08-0.32). Oral health disparities among Indian transgender individuals are evident in the low toothbrush usage, an elevated prevalence of tobacco use, and dental disorders such as calculus, cavities, and bleeding. Tailored dental health programs that include inclusive healthcare services and awareness are essential. CRD42023468872.

Oral health in youth with visual impairment: A longitudinal survey

This longitudinal survey aims to demonstrate improvement in oral hygiene among a group of youth with visual impairment (VI) achieved by repeated oral hygiene training, compare their progress with healthy peers (CG) and assess their oral health knowledge. In 100 VI (55♀, 45♂; ± 17.8 years) and 45 CG (23♀, 22♂; ± 17.2 years) oral hygiene training and a Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (QHI) rating were repeated six times at three-month intervals. The VI were divided into four subgroups according to the toothbrush hardness/type. A questionnaire was given to both groups. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed at 5% significance level. Both groups showed reduction in QHI, the VI had overall higher QHI values than CG. Use of an electric toothbrush in VI led to lower QHI in the last examination (p < 0.03). 69% of participants recommended dental specialists to improve communications by acquiring more illustrative aids. VI changed toothbrush less often (p < 0.02). A higher incidence of dental plaque was confirmed in VI compared to CG. After education and individual training, gradual plaque reduction has occurred in both groups. Using an electric toothbrush in VI resulted in better QHI outcomes. Repetitive preventive intervention in youth with VI helped them to adopt healthier oral hygiene habits.

PREVALENCE AND SUSCEPTIBILITY OF BACTERIA FROM USED TOOTHBRUSHES OF STUDENTS RESIDING IN HALL I AND II UNIVERSITY OF BENIN

Used toothbrushes are reservoirs for varieties of bacteria that are implicated in human disease transmission. Personal oral hygiene and removal of plaque are important roles played by the use of toothbrushes in an act endorsed for oral hygiene resolution and ubiquitously practiced in developing and developed Nations. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence and susceptibility of bacteria present in used toothbrushes of students residing in Halls I and II, University of Benin. New toothbrushes ninety (90) were bought and forty-five (45) each were distributed to students in each hall of residence, these toothbrushes were used for one month and collected for bacteria analysis. Standard bacteriological procedures were observed for the analysis. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 22.0 computer software package. Independent t-test was used to find the differences between the two variables. The value of p&lt; 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant. Heavy bacteria contamination was associated with used toothbrushes while no bacteria contamination in the unused ones, which serves as a control. Klebsiella species 16 (35.53 %), and 19 (42.2 %) were more prevalent than coagulase-negative staphylococci species 2 (4.4 %) and 2(4.4 %) respectively from both halls. All the toothbrushes analyzed in this study had bacteria contaminates that are known to harm human health, contributing significantly to the spread of diseases, and increasing infection risks. Establishing a high aseptic protocol, storage, and management be encouraged in tertiary institution halls of residence as the incidence of these oral bacteria and individual health risks will be minimized.

The Prevalence of Tooth Wear and Their Associated Etiologies Among Adult Subjects Visiting Umm Al-Qura University Dental Clinic in Makkah City, Saudi Arabia.

In the past two decades, changing trends in socioeconomic status, dietary habits, and individual lifestyles of individuals have led to the emergence of tooth wear as an oral health problem. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence and the associated etiologies of tooth wear in a convenience sample of adult patients visiting outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Dentistry at Umm Al-Qura University. This cross-sectional study was conducted on adult patients (18-40 years old) visiting outpatient clinics of the Faculty of Dentistry, Umm Al-Qura University. Two trained examiners visually assessed patients' tooth wear using Smith and Knight's Tooth Wear Index (TWI). Following the clinical examination, patients completed a self-administered questionnaire detailing risk factors such as the frequency of intake of acidic food and medicines, general health, chewing habits, dietary factors, and oral health-associated preventive behaviors. The resulting collected data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 21; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). The total prevalence of tooth wear was 74%, and the recorded mean wear score (TWI) was 0.380 ± 0.386; anterior teeth exhibited greater wear than posterior teeth. Numerous associations were recorded between tooth wear and the tested variables in demographics, habits, diet, and medications, but most of them were not statistically significant. When toothbrushing habits were explored, the only factors to played a significant role in abrading the tooth structure were the type of brush bristles used (P-value = 0.026) and the frequency of brush renewal (P = 0.043). Patients who frequently ate citrus fruits and other acidic foods recorded high wear scores (0.509 ± 0.311 and 0.508 ± 0.402, respectively), although the difference was not statistically significant. When chewing occurred on both sides of the mouth, less tooth wear was recorded than if chewing was on the right or left side only (0.371 ± 0.260, 0.422 ± 0.273, and 0.520 ± 0.419, respectively). The study data support an association between tooth wear and patient occupation, use of hard-bristled and new toothbrushes, eating of citrus and other acidic food, and chewing on one side, as all of these factors increased the risk of tooth wear.

Comparing plaque removal efficacy of biodegradable toothbrush and nonbiodegradable toothbrush in children of 8-10 years of age: A randomized clinical study.

In the 21st century, we are surrounded by plastic, disposal of which has a detrimental effect on the environment. Around 700 million plastic toothbrushes are sold which contributes to a large portion of plastic waste. To aid in the restoration of the environment, there is a need to replace plastic toothbrushes with recyclable toothbrushes. The purpose of the study was to evaluate and compare the plaque removal efficacy of biodegradable toothbrushes and nonbiodegradable toothbrushes in children 8-10 years of age. Ninety children 8-10 years old from school were included in the study. Toothbrush types to groups A (nonbiodegradable toothbrush, Colgate® Palmolive India Ltd.), B (Biodegradable toothbrush, Bamboo India), and C (Biodegradable toothbrush, Palette™ India) were randomly allocated and plaque score was evaluated using plaque disclosing agent and Turesky Modification of Quigley Hein Index at day 1, 7, and 14. The data were analyzed using unpaired "t" and analysis of variance to find the significance of study parameters between the groups and paired t-test was used to find the significance of study parameters within the group (pre- and postbrushing). The comparison of plaque scores pre- and postbrushing in all groups manifested reduction from day 1 to 14. However, Group B showed a significant reduction of plaque on day 14 with a difference of 0.50 which is statistically significant with a P < 0.001. According to the results, it can be concluded that a biodegradable toothbrush has adequate plaque removal efficacy. Therefore, the use of biodegradable toothbrushes can be recommended which will reduce nonbiodegradable waste.

진료기관 내원 대상자의 효율적 치간칫솔 활용방안을 위한 조사 연구

진료기관 내원 대상자의 효율적 치간칫솔 활용방안을 위한 조사 연구

Investigation of the presence of Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) in ancient adult skulls: analyzing data from prehistoric and historical samples through a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectivesHistorically, the prevalence of caries has undergone significant changes, particularly increasing with the industrialization of sugar consumption. When examining ancient populations, lower caries rates are discovered, attributed in part to dietary factors. These populations consumed abrasive foods, leading to occlusal wear and reduced non-axial occlusal forces, potentially influencing Non-Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCLs). Although some attribute NCCLs to abfraction, the mechanism remains debated. This systematic review aims to evaluate the presence of NCCLs in ancient populations, shedding light on the factors contributing to their occurrence.Materials and MethodsThe present systematic review was registered on PROSPERO, and the manuscript was prepared following PRISMA guidelines.ResultsAfter the literature search and article screening, data from 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis, with only 2 reporting NCCLs in ancient skulls, encopassing 17 subjects in 805 examined skulls, suggesting their presence even before the widespread use of toothbrushes. This finding indicates a potential etiopathogenic mechanism linked to abfraction, but the cause is complex and involves abrasive and erosive factors closely tied to dietary habits.ConclusionsIn summary, NCCLs were present in ancient populations, albeit with a much lower prevalence. Their occurrence cannot be solely attributed to wear mechanisms but must be connected to abrasive factors related to diet or practices with religious and cultural significance, such as the use of labrets. Clinical relevance: Th the knowledge of NCCLs presence in acient sculls is crucial today for better understand the associated risk factors. In this context, the analysis of ancient skulls allows us to discern the role that tooth brushing and diet played in the formation of NCCLs, over the past century.

Machine learning to predict untreated dental caries in adolescents

ObjectiveThis study aimed to predict adolescents with untreated dental caries through a machine-learning approach using three different algorithmsMethodsData came from an epidemiological survey in the five largest cities in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, consumption of unhealthy foods and behaviours (use of dental floss and toothbrushing) were collected using Sisson’s theoretical model, in 615 adolescents. For the machine learning, three different algorithms were used: (1) XGboost; (2) decision tree and (3) logistic regression. The epidemiological baseline was used to train and test predictions to detect individuals with untreated dental caries, through eight main predictor variables. Analyzes were performed using the R software (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). The Ethics Committee approved the study..ResultsFor the 615 adolescents, xgboost performed better with an area under the curve (AUC) of 84% versus 81% for the decision tree algorithm. The most important variables were the use of dental floss, unhealthy food consumption, self-declared race and exposure to fluoridated water.ConclusionsFamily health teams can improve the work process and use artificial intelligence mechanisms to predict adolescents with untreated dental caries, and, in this way, schedule dental appointments for the treatment of adolescents earlier.

Oral Health Knowledge, Self-Assessed Oral Health Behavior, and Oral Hygiene Practices among the Adult General Population in Croatia.

Emphasizing the significance of optimal oral health for enhancing overall well-being, this study aimed to investigate oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health behaviors, and oral hygiene practices within the Croatian general population. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted online, utilizing a questionnaire collecting sociodemographic characteristics and inquiring about respondents' oral health knowledge, self-assessed oral health status, oral hygiene habits, and use of oral hygiene products. Collected data underwent both descriptive and regression analyses to unveil patterns and relationships within the dataset. The respondents showed a high level of knowledge about oral health (median score 9, IQR 7.00-10.00, maximum possible score 10), with significant factors for higher knowledge being engaged in dental professions; above-average socioeconomic status; and the use of an electric brush, dental floss, and interdental brushes (p ˂ 0.05). Insufficient knowledge, on the other hand, was associated with bleeding gums and daily smoking (p ˂ 0.05). Although 69.4% of respondents considered their oral health to be very good, 32.5% reported tooth decay, and 38.2% reported tooth sensitivity. The majority (62.0%) cited regular check-ups as the reason for their last visit to the dentist, with 74.1% feeling no anxiety or discomfort during these visits. Daily toothbrush use was widespread (97.8%), but only 34.1% and 19.1% of respondents reported using floss and/or interdental brushes daily. A remarkable 69.0% of respondents indicated that low oral health literacy and low prioritization contribute to suboptimal oral health. While respondents demonstrated commendable oral health knowledge, the prevalence of reported issues suggests a potential gap between perception and actual oral health status. To address this, targeted educational interventions focusing on comprehensive oral hygiene practices and debunking misconceptions should be prioritized in Croatia.

The Effectiveness of Using an Electric Toothbrush as a Plaque Control Tool in School-Autistic Children

Background: Autism is a condition of developmental abnormalities that have an impact on various aspects of life, including dental and oral health. An electric toothbrush is needed as a means of plaque control. Electric toothbrushes offer advantages such as timer features, increase accessibility, etc. Purpose: This study aims to determine the effectiveness of electric toothbrushes as a means of plaque control in children with autism. Methods: This study used the One Group Pretest Posttest research design and consisted of 24 subjects. This study used the Loe and Silness plaque index measurement. Before the research, education was carried out on the research subjects. The study was conducted by comparing the effectiveness of manual and electric toothbrushes on research subjects. Index scores were recorded before and after treatment. Results: The use of manual and electric toothbrushes both reduced the Loe and Silness plaque index scores. The use of a manual toothbrush reduced the mean plaque index score by 0.828 (34.07%). The use of an electric toothbrush reduced the average plaque index score by 1.10 (48.24%). The results of the paired t test (P &lt;0.05) showed that there was a significant difference between the use of a manual toothbrush and an electric toothbrush. Conclusion: The use of an electric toothbrush can reduce plaque scores and is effective as a means of plaque control in school-age autistic children.

Evaluation of the usefulness and quality of YouTube™ videos about children's electric toothbrushes.

The effectiveness of mechanical tooth cleaning, which plays a crucial role in biofilm control, depends on the type of brush and technique. Parents can refer to websites such as YouTube™ for guidance on the selection and use of electric toothbrushes. The objective of this study was to examine the usefulness, quality and accuracy of the information on YouTube™ videos about electric toothbrushes for children. A search was performed on YouTube™ for English language videos using the terms 'electric toothbrush for kids' and 'kids' electric toothbrush'. From the first 100 results, 64 videos were selected for further analysis. The videos were analysed for views, likes/dislikes, number of comments, upload source, duration and time since video upload. The usefulness and the quality of the selected videos were also measured. The majority of the videos mentioned toothbrush design (71.9%, n = 46) and toothbrush heads (62.5%, n = 40). The videos were generally determined to be moderately useful (46.9%), whereas very useful videos were found less frequently (12.5%). Slightly useful videos were mostly uploaded by laypeople. Very useful videos had significantly higher video durations than moderately and slightly useful videos (p = 0.029 and p = 0.002, respectively). YouTube™ can be an important source of information for parents to learn about electric toothbrushes for their children. However, watching videos based on upload source and length of time may provide more accurate information on this topic. Also, dental healthcare professionals could be included more often to improve the usefulness and quality of the videos.

Early Counseling to Improve Oral Health Behavior in Children with Major Congenital Heart Defects: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Maintaining optimal oral health behavior in children with a congenital heart defect (CHD) is important in managing the risk for caries development and infective endocarditis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of an early and repeat oral health promotion intervention (OHPI) among children with major CHD. Randomized controlled trial including 72 out of 91 children born in Finland April 1, 2017–October 31, 2020 with (a) major CHD potentially included in the criteria of endocarditis prophylaxis or (b) any CHD with surgical repair combined with a chromosomal syndrome. A parallel passive control (C) group of 87 healthy children were recruited at birth. CHD children were randomized 1:1 to intervention (CHD-I) and control (CHD-C) groups. The OHPI included counseling by motivational interviewing, home delivered toothpaste and toothbrushes, and written information, and was provided at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months of age to CHD-I group. The primary outcome measure at 24 months was child’s oral health behavior (toothbrushing, sugar intake, and dental care contact). The secondary outcome measures were parents’ awareness of the importance of oral health behavior, and oral health behavior as a predictor for child behavior. At 24 months, toothbrushing was performed twice a day in 20/27 (74%) among CHD-I, in 13/30 (43%) among CHD-C (CHD-I vs. CHD-C p = 0.03), and in 37/50 (74%) among healthy comparisons (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.01). Electric toothbrush use was 12/27 (44%) in CHD-I, 5/30 (17%) in CHD-C (CHD-I vs. CHD-C p = 0.04), and 7/50 (14%) in healthy comparison (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.76) children. Among CHD-I, toothbrushing and use of electric toothbrush improved between 12 months and 24 months. Sugar drink intake was more common among CHD-C (CHD-C vs. C p = 0.02), but comparable to CHD-I children. Parental toothbrushing predicted child toothbrushing twice a day. There were no statistical group differences in dental care contact. Children with CHD are at risk for poor oral health behavior. This could be improved with early and repeat oral health promotion parental counseling.